LONDON - General Sir Mike Jackson, hero of the oppressed in Kosovo, has publicly acknowledged his role in Bloody Sunday - and could face hostile questioning at the inquiry into the massacre.
In an interview with the Independent, Jackson, the newly appointed commander-in-chief of the British Army's land forces, has spoken publicly for the first time about his involvement in the events of that day, which left a legacy of bitterness. Jackson was adjutant - "right-hand man," as he put it - to Lieutenant-Colonel Derek Wilford, battalion commander of 1 Para at the time.
The inquiry, under Lord Saville, has taken depositions from witnesses present, including details on Jackson's alleged role. In his new job, Jackson carries responsibility if British troops are again dispatched to troublespots to prevent abuses of human rights elsewhere in the world. His presence at the events of Bloody Sunday - which were described by the inquest coroner as "unadulterated murder" - could thus be doubly embarrassing, though there is no suggestion that he fired any shots himself or gave any orders to do so.
The general, who commanded the K-For international force when it went into Kosovo last year, said he had given a pre-inquiry statement to the Saville tribunal about the operation which led to accusations from Northern Ireland's nationalist community of a "shoot to kill" policy by the British Army. But the setting up of the new tribunal has led to widespread resentment in the Army, and many feel that Jackson's appearance before it will be exploited by critics of the Army.
Jackson returned to acclaim from Britain and her Nato allies after his successful mission in Kosovo. There have been reports that British Prime Minister Tony Blair wants him to succeed Sir Charles Guthrie as Chief of Defence Staff when he retires.
There is even talk that the general, a linguist and seen as a man of formidable intelligence, may go on to a public role outside the forces.
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